Making the most of a Smart TV

maxsmum · 21-02-2019 2:20pm #1

We got a free Smart TV for the bedroom with a new media provider and have set up the Netflix, which is grand. Don't want to pay for an extra set top box or the like, happy just to have the TV there as it is. Any tips on apps/USB additions to make the most of it without more subscriptions? How do we tune in RTE etc if we wanted that - does it require a box?

corkie · 21-02-2019 5:08pm

More details on the "Smart" TV you have maybe help people assist you.

Not all TV have the same software.

If it is an Android TV, you should have access to Playstore to load RTE/Virgin media player.

If the TV is saorview compatible it should be easy to connect to Irish Channels with just an Aerial (indoor will do if in a good broadcasting location).

Wheety · 21-02-2019 5:10pm

It may have a built in tuner for satellite or saorview. Do you know what tv it is?

....... · 21-02-2019 5:11pm

Can you install apps on it?

I use All4 a lot - it is an app that gives a the programs from Channel 4 and More 4.

seamus · 21-02-2019 5:15pm

It should have a built-in tuner, but you'll need an aerial to get saorview.

Cazale · 21-02-2019 5:20pm

Get a fire stick and sideload some apps on it.

maxsmum · 21-02-2019 5:47pm

Cazale wrote: »

Get a fire stick and sideload some apps on it.

Thanks all
It's an LG 32in smart TV with LG apps and no channels tuned during the auto setup so I figured we'd need something else for saorview. Is there a tiny aerial you can add out of sight? I'm thinking of those yokes from the 80s...

The high horse brigade · 21-02-2019 5:50pm

Smart TV is the big buzz word out of the sales men these days (+_+)

corkie · 21-02-2019 7:43pm

maxsmum wrote: »

Thanks all
It's an LG 32in smart TV with LG apps and no channels tuned during the auto setup so I figured we'd need something else for saorview. Is there a tiny aerial you can add out of sight? I'm thinking of those yokes from the 80s...

You would need to research the Model number and if it is an Irish version with saorview compatibility. If it has that any modern indoor Aerial should work with it.

webOS 3.5 is crap and sideloading android apps is probably ruled out. So stuck with whatever apps LG provide.

Get a smartstick/chromecast for other apps, as already suggested.

If your in a good reception area for saorview, something like this aerial should work.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Saorview-Aerial-HD-Digital-TV-Indoor-Aerial-with-USB-signal-Booster-Amplifier/302894562873?hash=item4685ec3e39:g:VCIAAOSwd49bp1sy:rk:2:pf:0

Mantis Toboggan · 21-02-2019 8:08pm

If you get a chromecast you'll be able to cast Netflix, YouTube, all 4 and rte on demand and live.

Wheety · 21-02-2019 9:30pm

Mantis Toboggan wrote: »

If you get a chromecast you'll be able to cast Netflix, YouTube, all 4 and rte on demand and live.

They should be on the tv already.

kulekat · 21-02-2019 9:39pm

Second the All4 app for channel 4. TV3 app (virgin media) is ok too. Theres TED app also for ted talks if your into those. We have netflix, and the Now TV stick. I dont find now tv great tbh

fryup · 21-02-2019 11:29pm

i take it you have no limits broadband OP?

Mantis Toboggan · 21-02-2019 11:31pm

Wheety wrote: »

They should be on the tv already.

Maybe but you'd be surprised plus you won't get the life tv without an ariel.

maxsmum · 22-02-2019 6:53am

fryup wrote: »

i take it you have no limits broadband OP?

Thanks all
Yes we've very good broadband and in an urban areas so might try the small aerial just to have the other channels. Thanks for channel 4 app recommendation I would never have thought of that. It's great. We also have a Chromecast in a box somewhere that we never used so will.plug that in!

....... · 22-02-2019 10:17am

I bought an aeriel on ebay for a fiver or so and I get the saorview channels now - but I am in a direct line of sight with the transmitter in Three Rock - it may not work so well if you are not in a good receiving area.

I very rarely use live tv but occasionally - like for referendum results say - I like to have it as tv3 dont have an app for my tv and the rte app is very unreliable.

My 3 biggest uses of apps are netflix, all4 and youtube.

Muahahaha · 22-02-2019 9:47pm

What do you need to be considered to be in a good area to receive Saorview with only an indoor aeriel? Like how close would your house have to be to the transmitter to get a good signal to negate the need to get an aeriel installed on the chimney.